Dilshad Jaff

Dr. Dilshad Jaff is an Associate Clinical Practice Professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in the Department of Public Health Leadership and Practice. With over 20 years of field experience in humanitarian crises, particularly with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), he focuses on improving health outcomes in conflict zones and displacement settings. He holds an MD from Al-Mustansiriya University (2000) and an MPH from Gillings (2015).

His research emphasizes displaced/refugee health, maternal and child health in crises, and implementation science. Key initiatives include the Gillings Humanitarian Health Initiative, which trains professionals and develops evidence-based strategies for humanitarian healthcare delivery. Dr. Jaff also champions mental health access in conflict zones and health system resilience in fragile states.

• Education: MPH (UNC Gillings, 2015), Higher Diploma in Medical Microbiology (Sulaymaniyah University, 2007), MD (Al-Mustansiriya University, 2000)
• Expertise: Complex emergencies, humanitarian response innovation, and post-conflict healthcare reform

His recent work addresses challenges like counterfeit medicine proliferation, AI ethics in humanitarian tech, and mental health stigma reduction. He has been honored with the Rotary Peace Fellowship (2013–2015), Paul Harris Fellowship (2013), and the Harriet Hylton Barr Distinguished Alumni Award (2022).

Dr. Jaff collaborates with global organizations to strengthen health systems in crises, including NGO capacity-building and strategic advising. His interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical practice, policy, and humanitarian action to address systemic gaps in healthcare delivery during emergencies.